The Easiest Way to Make a Glass Fusion Medallion in a Kiln

With the right equipment and materials, almost anyone can make their own stunning items from fused glass. Although your artistic endeavors will always benefit from a certain amount of creative flair, glass fusion itself is not a difficult skill to master, and items made in this way possess a beauty that comes largely from the material itself rather than the artist's input.

Instructions

1

Find a fusing mold of a shape and size you like. These are available from art stores or from online suppliers, and they are made to withstand the high temperature of the kiln. The size of the mold depends much on your taste and your plans for the medallion. Pretty fused glass neck jewelery requires a small mold. Alternatively, a large medallion to be hung at a window calls for a larger mold.

2

Fill your mold with fusible glass. Fusible glass has a coefficient of expansion (C.O.E.) rating, and all the glass you use in a product should have the same rating. The glass is available in sheets, discs, rods, beads and granules, enabling you to create an endless variety of designs. Geometric shapes tend to work best but, if you're feeling especially creative, try flowers, butterflies or whatever comes to mind. You may need to cut some of your glass pieces to the right length and shape. Do this carefully with the correct glass cutting tool, having read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly.

3

Set up the kiln by applying kiln wash and heating it to 1,450 degrees Fahrenheit. Kilns are expensive items, and your output may not warrant the purchase of one. Seek out artists in your local area and find out if you can take advantage of their kilns. Alternatively, schools and colleges often have kilns that they may let you use. If you have never used a kiln before, it may be safer for someone else to introduce you to the process.

4

Place the glass-filled mold into the kiln. Wear appropriate gloves and eyewear to protect yourself from burns. It will take about 20 minutes for the glass to fuse and a further 30 minutes at 950 degrees Fahrenheit to anneal. You can then switch the kiln off. Do not remove the glass from the kiln until it has reached room temperature or you will damage your medallion.

5

Drill a hole near to the edge of the medallion. For jewelery, the hole should be about 1/8 inch in diameter and 1/4 inch from the edge. Larger medallions will need a hole of around 1/4 inch in diameter placed 1/2 inch from the edge.

6

Sand outer edges and the drilled hole with abrasive ribbon. Glass Tamer ribbons are made specifically for this purpose. This process will create glass dust, so be sure to wear protective gear.

7

Insert the leather thong through the hole and hang. Alternatively, use a chain, ribbon or colored string.